BANGKA BELITUNG DEVELOPS 500 HECTARES MANGROVE AREAS TO BOOST ECOTOURISM

Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung, Jan 22 (Antara) - The Forestry Office of Bangka Belitung Province is developing 500 hectares of mangrove forests in Belitung Island to conserve the areas and boost ecotourism. "This year, we are developing the mangrove forest areas in Selat Nasik, Pengantungan, and Tanjung Pandan," Nazarliyus, the head of the forestry office, remarked here on Thursday. He stated that the mangrove forests in Belitung Island are still not affected by the offshore lead mining and encroachment activities. "We are managing the mangrove forests and building the facilities, so that the visitors can enjoy the beauty of the island," Nazarliyus said. According to him, the mangrove forest areas in Belitung are still well-conserved as the administration has formulated policies to protect its biodiversity potential. In contrast, the mangrove forests in Bangka Island are severely damaged. "The mangrove forests in Bangka Island are damaged due to the offshore lead mining activities and land conversion for residential and industrial areas," Nazarliyus pointed out. The mangrove forest development plan is part of the green city program to protect the natural habitat and to increase green open areas in the coastal region, he emphasized. "I hope that by developing the mangrove forests, we can protect the natural resources and increase the tourist arrivals and improve the local people's welfare," Nazarliyus stated.